Browns-Bengals finally has playoff implications

11:02 PM,
Nov. 16, 2013

After years of Bengals-Browns games with little playoff impact, the rivalry finally has post-season weight.

Written by

Joe Reedy

Younger fans of the Browns and Bengals get to experience something new today at Paul Brown Stadium - a game at this point in the season that has real meaning to both squads.

Going into the 81st edition of the Battle of Ohio, the Bengals are 6-4 and lead the AFC North by 1½ games over the Browns and Ravens, who are 4-5. You have to go back to Week 13 of the 1989 season to find the last time both teams have met and been in contention for a playoff spot.

Since then, each franchise has experienced its version of the dark ages. The Bengals went 14 years between postseason trips but have gone four times under Marvin ...